Once the center of the great Industrial Revolution, Manchester, England, still offers plenty for travelers to see. The grand architecture, evident in buildings such as the Central Library, reminds visitors of the city's heyday as "Cottonopolis" during the 18th and 19th centuries. Former industrial neighborhoods have been revitalized, such as the Northern Quarter, which now holds trendy bars, cafes, and shops; and The Quays, a former inland port that is now home to renowned theaters and retail outlets. Known as friendly with a sly sense of humor, the city's residents are passionate fans of Manchester United football (soccer to Americans), so be prepared to talk about the sport if you stop into the local pub for a pint. Flights to Manchester land at one of the three terminals of Manchester Airport.

Aside from its perennial gloomy skies, Manchester can be a vacation destination anytime of year. The most popular time to go is during the Christmas holiday, when people from all over come to join the celebrations. Many also visit in the summer, when schools are on vacation. The least popular time to go is January and February, when the weather is chilly and dark. Spring and fall bring relatively pleasant temperatures and smaller crowds.

high season: December, June to July
low season: January to February, August
shoulder season: March to May, September to November

Weather Information

Surrounded by the Pennine Moors, Manchester experiences overcast skies and drizzly weather year-round. Summers are mild, with average highs in the 60s. Winters can be chilly, with average high temperatures dropping into the 40s. Spring and fall bring average highs ranging from the high 40s to the high 50s.

Crowd Information

Christmas is a popular time for Manchester. Festivals and events throughout the year also attract crowds, including the Manchester International Festival in summer every two years and Manchester Pride in August. Football season (August through May) is a busy time for the city.

Closure Information

Almost all hotels, shops, and restaurants remain open year-round. However, most stores close for Christmas and offer limited hours on bank holidays.

When to Save

The least expensive time to visit is January and February. Specials are offered in August, but it's still a popular time for international visitors, so prices will be a bit more expensive overall than during the other low season. The most expensive time to go is right before and during Christmas, when hotels across the region are completely booked.

Information provided by the Official Tourism Site for Greater Manchester